Agent Spotlight: Paula Parker

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Paula B. Parker has 10 years experience in real estate and has worked in Summit County since 1981. She is a broker with Re/Max Properties of the Summit located on Main Street in downtown Frisco. Contact her at (970) 390-2458 or online at www.summitcomountainhomes.com.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Golden, but we had a second home at Copper, since ... well ... since dirt.

What do you love about Summit County?

What's not to love? It's breathtakingly beautiful; full of active, educated, like-minded people; a fantastic place to raise kids; a wonderful place to retire to; and all things in-between.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

... and when is that, exactly? Just kidding - I'm a ski bum by birth, and a cyclist by marriage. I know folks are dismayed about the lack of snow this year, but it has made for a great extended road biking season, and that keeps my family happy!

How long have you worked in real estate?

I'm starting my 10th year at RE/MAX, but I was previously involved in the industry on the building side - but that's another story.

What is your specialty?

My specialty is in the numbers. With degrees in engineering and mathematics, I have an ability to understand statistics, trends, and help customers approach real estate transactions with a scientific rationale. This helps difficult decisions seem simple and clear cut. Likewise, customers feel comfortable and confident making those difficult decisions.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?

If I have a weakness, it's with folks who are indecisive. I have a tendency to decide things quickly, based on facts or trends. I try to help buyers and sellers see that the decisions they need to make can be very rational, but a home is a very personal thing, and reality isn't always so clear cut. My favorite thing to do is to help a local buy a home; nothing makes me happier than to welcome a new local into the fold!

What is the most unique property you've listed or sold?

The listing I have featured this week, at 16 Montane Ct. in Whispering Pines Ranch is pretty unique - three bedrooms and three baths on three levels on a stand-out lot with an over-sized two-car garage. A much better value at $572,500 than any similar home you could find in Breck. A very livable home adjacent to open space and within walking distance to the award-winning Summit Cove Elementary, hiking, biking and four major ski resorts.

What are the top three things that separate you from your competitors?

Deep local knowledge, a math brain, patience.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?

Watch the numbers, and stay ahead of the trend. Now, for instance, is a very good time to buy something, even if it's not your dream home. Get on the path to your dream home by buying something now that will appreciate as we continue to recover.

What do you see in the future for real estate prices?

I'm cautiously optimistic that we will see some increasing prices in the spring and summer of 2013. This is based on the current trend; however, there is still a lot of "sleeping" inventory, or homes that sellers have been waiting to list. While we have very little inventory now, an influx of more may serve to hold prices down. Again, it is a very good time to buy, and will likely continue to be into 2013 either based on pricing or selection.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate broker?

Someone should choose me to help them, primarily because of my deep local knowledge of the community, but also, I think I'm the Realtor who is the most fun to be around. It's easy to get bogged down with the details of a lengthy and complicated transaction; I understand the details and can take care of them while still having fun!

I am a third generation Coloradan from a ski pioneering family. Fiercely dedicated to family first, I am a driven professional, but with overriding ski bum tendencies. I'm slightly bossy, or as my mother likes to say, "so confident, but in a good way!" Member of a top-producing office at RE/MAX Properties of the Summit in Frisco, where we care more about the people than the paycheck! Really, it's true. I have an abiding love of the community in which I live and I'm dedicated to doing my part to make it better.